Rotary filing cabinet

ABSTRACT

A filing cabinet operable from either of two sides and having in it a rotor carrying a shelf or platform structure rotatable about a vertical axis. The rotor is movable to present or expose platform or shelf space to either of two open sides. The rotor structure has two opposing flat sides and it can be rotated into a position that closes the open sides of the cabinet.

United States Patent [191 Robinson 1 Feb. 25, 1975 ROTARY FILING CABINET [76] lnventor: Gerard A. Robinson, 1928 Galerita Dr., San Pedro, Calif. 90732 [22] Filed: Feb. 12, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 331,909

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 186,124, Oct. 4,

1971, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl 312/305, 312/125, 312/252,

312/286 [51] Int. Cl A47b 46/00 [58] Field of Search 312/252, 305, 125, 135,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 935,249 9/1909 Doxator 312/305 1,021,454 3/1912 Davis 108/142 1,214,676 2/1917 Herz0g.. 312/305 2204,1218 6/1940 Hill 297/349 X 2,648,579 8/1953 Slyter et al 108/139 2,827,354 3/1958 Wassell et a1...

3,172,712 3/1965 Allen 312/197 FOREIGN PATENTS OR'APPLICATIONS 1,265,981 5/1961 France 312/305 553,672 3/1958 Canada 312/305 71,331 6/1942 Czechoslovakia 312/305 597,352 H1948 Great Britain.. 312/305 752,058 3/1933 France 312/305 Primary Examiner-James T. McCall Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Herzig & Walsh [57} ABSTRACT A filing cabinet operable from either of two sides and having in it a rotorcarrying a shelf or platform structure rotatable about a vertical axis. The rotor is movable to present or expose platform or shelf space to either of two open sides. The rotor structure has two opposing flat sides and it can be rotated into a position that closes the open sides of the cabinet.

12 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEUFEBZSMS 3,868,157

sum 2 INVENTOR. 652420 4. M/NSO/V BY My a/W ROTARY FILING CABINET This application is a continuation-in-part of applica- I SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is a rotary filing cabinet. In a preferred form, it is constructed in modules which can be joined together. Each module comprises a cabinet having within it a platform or shelf structure in the form of a rotor rotatable about a vertical axis in the cabinet. The cabinet is preferably rectilinear having two opposite open sides. Preferably, the rotor structure has a plurality of supporting shelvesor platforms for files and two such arrays are provided in the rotor structure so that by turning the rotor, either array can quickly be exposed to either open side of the cabinet. In other words, there is a double bank or array of filing space, either bank of which is readily exposable to either of the open sides of the cabinet.

In the preferred exemplary form of the invention, the shelf or platform support structure, that is the rotor,'is square, and it has two smooth flat sides so that the rotor can be turned to a position in which these two flat sides form closures for the open sides of the cabinet. The result is a smooth, neat, compact appearance when the A further object is to provide a cabinet providing for 7 quick and easy access to double banks or arrays of shelf filing space.

A further object resides in achieving a constructional arrangement or design such that either of the double arrays can be directly exposed by way of a 90 rotation of the rotor and further that by the same type of rota- FIG. 3 is a detailed view of one of the mounting arbors or trunions of the rotor structure;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1; I

I FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 .is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a detail sectional view showing one of the tion, side panels on the rotor structure can be positioned as closures for open sides of the cabinet structure.

A further object resides in the provision of means for latching or restraining the rotor structure in position;

for rotating it; and then snubbing or restraining the r0 tation and stopping and holding the rotor in predetermined positions.

A further object is to provide an improved, simplified latching means comprising a floating assembly of latching member, arcuate sliding plates, and a single restraining spring that retards the arcuate motion of the rotor in either direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further objects and additional advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view ofa preferred from of the invention shown as a cabinet formed ofthree modules;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken alongthe line 22 of FIG. I;

adjustable leveling feet for the cabinet structure;

FIG. 8 is a plan view partly broken away of the base section of a cabinet illustrating a preferred and modifled form of latching mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view taken along the line 10-l0 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a detail view taken along the line lI--Il of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an arcuate sectional view taken along the line 1212 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of plate members constituting part of the latching mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. I

aligned and joined together. They may be held together in a unitary structure by any suitable or convenient means. Cabinet 10 asshown is rectilinear in configuration; and in the preferred form of the invention, it is square in cross section. It may be formed of sheet metal, for example or any suitable material. It has a flat top 12. The module 10 has a rectangular base structure 14 as may be seen in FIG. 1 and as will be referred to more in detail presently.

Numeral 6 designates an end panel or structure having side flange parts 18 and 20 which are flush with the front and back faces of the module. The panel 16 rests on the base structure 14. On its top is top end panel 22 which isflush against the top panel 12.

Mounted Within the module is the rotor which is the shelf or platform support structure. The rotor is designated generally at 30. In the form of the invention shown, it is square and rotates about a vertical axis, as designated at 31. It has two, flat side closures 32 and 34. Extending between these closures is a center or intermediate partition 36, as may be seen in FIG. 2. On both sides of the partition and extending between the side walls 32 and 34 are a plurality of supporting shelves or platforms such as designated at40 in FIG. 1.

Between the modules 10 and 10a upstanding from the base structure are upright panels, as designated at 42 and 44. As may be observed, when the rotors within the cabinets are rotated, their corners can move into the space in the cabinet between modules and into the end space provided by the end panel 16. Mounted on the flanges 18 and 20 of the end panel 16 are flexible sealing or closure members which may be made of fabric as indicated at 50 and 52. Similar closure or sealing members 54 and 56 are provided mounted on the end members 42 and 44. Additionallymounte'd on these members are similar flexible elements or members 60 and 62 associated with the next mofule 10a.

' section fora plurality of balls 142.

Numeral 64 designates a footpedahthe purpose of which will be described presently; ltoperates a latch to a release the rotor 30 for rotation and for snubbing it, and stopping and latching itin the predetermined quadrant position to which it is rotatedf Referring to FIG. 3,.' will be noted thatthe top of the V cabinet, that is. module 10 is double walled, theinner of the double wallsbeing designated 'at.12..' Numeral 68 designates a bushing, in the form of a bearing which is supported at the center of the top of the rotor 30.1thas a bore 70 which receives an axle or arbor 72 having a retarding it after ithas been rotatedso as to control its momentum and stop it. at apredcltermined position.

. base section 14 as'shown. This [ever has aflatend part 174 which is pivotally securedbetween brackets 176 and 178 as maybe seen in FlG; 4, The lever .170 is mov- V able angularly about its pivot pointqTelescopingly fitted on the lever arm.1:70 is sleeve 1 80 havingend discs;

head 74 received ina recess 76 of the. top wall 12'. The axle orarbor is received in the bore 70 in'the bushing 68qartd forms a top trunion about which the rotor 30 can rotoate. There is a central' pivot axle at the bottom of rotor 30 which will be referred to again presently. FIG. 7 is a sectional view-taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4 showing one ofthe adjustable supporting feet which are provided, at corners of'each module, At the corner of the base 14, thereis; a partition or support member 82aspaced fromfthe bottom having anedge i supportflange84 asshown. Numeral 86 designates a metal fitting shaped to receive a nut90 through which. extends athreaded stem 92 having a head 94.- The 1 housing 86 has a neck part 96 which extends through an aperture or hole in the partition 82, at the cue: of

which there is a flange 100 flushagainst the platform 7 82. The stem 92 has an end part 102 ofsrnaller diame terQFittingon this part, is metal foot member or support 104 which is held on by flange 106on the part102 of smaller diameter. As may readily be seen,1access may he had. to the head 94-of the threaded stem,

through opening lin the top wall of the base section.

' which isshown at 222 which serve as'retainers fora The stem may bcxrotutcd so to adjust the vertical sup porting position oi'uthcloot'member104."

H05. 4, S and 6 are enlarged views whichshowthe I structure utthc'bottom part of the module 10andof Q the rotor 30. The bottonroi the rotor istdesignated.

at l20-of FIG. 5. it has side flanges as shown at 12'2and 124. Numeral 126 designates plate having side flangesas shown at 130 and 1.32 and further edge l flanges as shown at 1374' and 126t-Plate 126 is spaced 3 as shown from plate 122, flanges 134 and 136 seating against the plate 120 and the insideof flanges 122.and

g 124. Plate 126 has a circular 'ring-shapeddepression 140' formed in it as shown whichpforms a part of apart:

race for balls 142. The top of the bottom frame or base section 14 is designated at 144. Ithas asimilar circular ring-shaped depression 146 in itwhich is opposite to and complementaryto' the depression 140 so that thc two together form a ball race which is circular in cross a The bottom platc 120 of the rotor depression 150 in it. Numeral, 152 designates a pivot bolt having a head 154which extends throughanaperturc indcprcssion 150 andthrougha similar aperture tire rotor rests on the balls l42 in .their'ra'ce as described and is rotatable about the center formed by the 7 bolt 152 which is aligned withtrunnion member 72 c 130 has a central V rotorto hold it, andwhen it is stopped, to position itin A latch mechanism is provided within the base sec-- tion 14 ofmodule 10 fonlatching the rotor in predeter- "mined positions, for snubbing it,;that is, restrainingor V I 182 and l84rBetween the disc;182 andanother-disc or washer 186-on the lever l'is coil spring 188.Was-her 'l86 isheld bycotterpin 190.. Betweenthe end disc 184 c and bracket member 192 through which the lever arm 1" 170 extends is another coil spring194; the twocoil it springs serving.to position'the sleeve 180.,Eittending" normally to thesleeve and carriedby itis a pin or stem' .200 which extends throughxaslot opening202 inthe. M plate 144 andthe slot opening 204 in thebottom1-1plate. 1 it i oflthe rotor 130,-Nur'neral lflfl designat'ed a :sec-. '3' i ond'rsimilar leverarrn jjatthe end of w'h'ichtis footipedal 1 I 1 Y 641;. Thisulever arm is 'belowythe lever arm as shown. it has ,a similanflat endpart 210 pivotally "mountedbetween brackets 212 gindllillt isangula'rlyy movable about its pivot pointLeverarm 208 passes t through an aperture inthebracket 192. This bracket: serves to link or couple the twolever arms together for,

purposes as will be eiqalainedb pair of coil springs '224 and 226, the lowerends of) whichare based againstthebottomof the basesection J 14.;These springs serve to bias the levers 170 and 208 l into positionas shown in FIG. 5 wherein the pin orstem e 200 is engaged-in the slot 204m the bottom plate 126 7 of the rotor 30;Pin' or stem 200 serves as a latch pin whichholds the rotor 30 inany one of its four quadrant p v 1 positions, theregbeingffour equallyangularlyspaced f;

openingslike opening 204 establishing the. four quads;

- rantpOsitions. Inorde'rto releasethe r otorfor rotation, f either one 'ofthe foot pedals 64101" 64f can: be actuated with theffoot. Thus, either thefleve'r 'l70'or thelever 208 can be actuated around itsgpivot. lftheleveirl08 is actuated it actuates the lever 170through the courace as described to one of its other positions. When the actuating lever is released, pin200 will againmove upwardly, engaging inth'efnext opening. in plate 126 to V latch and hold the rotora's illustrated in FIG. 6; Since" 7 the rotor may have considerable momentum when pin engagesin the opening; the pin and sleeve will be; rnovedaxially alongthe tubular lever 170 as may be seen in FIG.,6 compressing one'orthe'other of the coil" springs ISSQand 194. One of these-springs serves, to snub, that is, to restraimorretardzthe movement of the eitherdirection. 1

its correctlatched positionLThe rotor can be rotated in The rotorof each of the modules can be similarly actuated by being rotated about its vertical axis for, control of its respective foot pedals. 1 V

From the foregoing, those skilled in the art willunderstand the construction of the invention and itsutilization. As may be seen in FIG. 1, module is open, exposing filing shelves on two sides of'the cabinet. Module 10b isshown rotated through ninety degrees so that two, flat smooth sides of its rotor form closuresfor that module. The rotor of module 100 is shown in an intermediate rotated position. The structure provides double banked files which when open expose an array of support shelving on two sides. In each rotated position when shelving is exposed, the entire array is exposed in that position for open shelf visibility. Access is provided from both sides. Modules can be constructed to snap together or to be joined otherwise.

As described, the rotation, that is, the movement of the rotors is pedal controlled from either side of the cabinet. There are pedals for each module.

Referring to FIGS. 8 through 13, base section 14 of the cabinet is like that of the previous embodiment. It has a top surface .144 and the ball race formed between this plate and a plate 126 for balls 146 so that the rotor is supported as in the previous embodiment. Pivot bolt 152 is at the center of plates 126 and 144 as in the previous embodiment.

The latching or snubbing or retaining means in'the present embodiment comprises latching member .or latching dog 220 in the form of a bell crank lever having an extending nose 221 that can be extended through the arcuate slot 222 in plate 144 and slot 145 in plate 126 for restraining therotor. The latch member 220 is pivotally carried by a pivot member 224 extending between support members 225 and 226, that on an arcuate plate 228 having two arcuateslots in it 229 and 230. Plate 228 will be referred to again presently.

The latch member 220 is operable by a foot pedal 232 attached to an operating lever to 233 that is pivoted on a pivot member 236 extending between angle brackets 237 and 238, on the inside of the front wall, of the base 14. The lever 233 is linked to a lever plate 240 by a rod link 241 and the end of which as shown at 242 extends through a hole in lever 233. Its other end, 244, extends through a hole in lever plate 240. Numeral 246 designates a bracket which is welded to a shelf surface 247 in the base 14 and which has an extending part 248 to which the lever plate 240 is pivoted by pivot member 252. The lever plate 240 is linked to the latch member 220 by way of a connecting link rod 254. Numeral 256 designates a coil spring attached to a corner of the lever plate 240 and secured at the other end to a lug 258 on the bracket 246. As may be readily seen, by stepping onthe foot pedal 232 the links and levers are actuated so as to'rotate the latch member 220 about its pivot 224 as will be referred to again presently.

The latching mechanism, in addition to the plate 228, comprises additional plates 262 and.264 which are in a position sandwiched together as may be seen in FIGS. 9 and 12. These plates are of similar arcuate shape. Plate 262 has arcuate slots 265 and 266 and it has the rectangular cut-out 267 with downwardly extending lug 268. Plate 262 also has the arcuate opening 270 in it.

Plate 264 has arcuate slots 271 and 272 and cut-out 273 from one edge of which is the downwardly extending lug member 274. It has arcuate opening 275.

The plates 228, 262, and 264 are held in superimposed or sandwiched relationship underneath the plate 144 as may be seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 12. The numerals 280 and 281 designate a pair of pins headed at both ends and with a neck smaller in diameter adjacent to I the head at each end.These pins having an intermediate body part of slightly larger diameter as designated at 282 and at 283. These pins extend through the plate 144 as may be seen in FIG. 12, pin 280 extending rhough the slots 271, 265 and 229 in the plates 264 and 262 and 228. The lug 274 on the plate 264 and the lug 268 come into position oppositely to each other as may be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 and extendingbetween these two plates through openings therein is a rod or stem 290 and surrounding the stem between the lugs 274 and 268 is coil spring 291. The spring is compressed when the lugs 274 and 268 are moved toward one another. g

The relationship of the latch member 220 ,to the plates shown in the FIG. 13 to the surface 144 of the base 14 and plate 126 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 12. This through both of them to receive the latch member 220 as shown in FIG. 12. In the position of FIG. 12, latch member 220 is at the center of the slot opening 222 in plate 144. From this position, it can move to either end of the arcuate slot 222. As previously described, if foot pedal 232 is pressed down, latch member 220 is operated into the position of FIG. 9 so that the nose 221 goes through the slot 145 in the plate 126, to restrain the rotor. Then the operation is as follows. The momentum may cause the plate 126 which is now engaged with the nose 221 of the latch member 220 to force it.

to the right as shown in FIG. 12 to the dotted line position. The latch member 220 now forces the plate 264 to the right until the pins 282 and 283 engage the left extremity of the slots 271 and 272. This movement of plate 264 of course moves lug 274 to the right against the force of and compressing spring 291- which provides the necessary retarding and snubbing action to resist the momentum of the rotor. At this time, the lug 268 on plate 262 stays in position being unable to move to the right from the position of FIG. 12 because pins 280 and 281 are at the left extremity of slots 265 and 266. As previously explained, latch member 220 is carried by plate 228 which is able to slide arcuately, the

arcuate slots 229 and 230 sliding on the pins 280 and From the foregoing, it can be observed that the mechanism for latching the rotor and resiliently retarding it to overcome its momentum and holding it in a latched position is simplified and will stop the rotor in a predetermined position, with the latch member in the position of FIG. 12. The parts are relative small occupying only a minor part of the circumference of the rotor with the operating mechanism being very sturdy I 9 and positive. Of couse, if desired, the latch member 220 can be arranged to be operable from either one an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, the invention site open sides providing access thereto, which are positionable to be flush'with the opensides of the cabinet; i 2. Apparatus'as in claim 1, wherein said platformf 7 about a vertical axis, said cabinet having twosidesopfposite each other which arei'open andsaid rotary sup a port shelf meansbeing rot'atableto positions whereby to provide accessthereto through either of said-open sides of the cabinetssaid shelf means havin'g flat sides and being of such size relative to the cabinet that the flat sides are positionable to be flush with and to close] said open sides, and said shelf means having two oppok shelf support' means is inthe form of a si'ng le', rotatable cornprisesmeans forming iriiisbs ira with balls cabinet, said cabinet I there in 8. A file apparatus comprising-a cabinet having a; i rotor including suppo'rt platform'shelf means, latch means for the rotor comprising a fqot'operated menu berand a latch member, said latch member beingresil ientlyt mounted mechanism rcomprising spring means positioned to be'actnatable'by movementof the latch member'in onedirection tocompressthe spring means 7 and by movement of the latchmember inthe opposite direction;itocompresssthe spring'means I 1 unit having a heightwhich issubstantially the height of I the cabinet, said platform shelf support ing a plurality of spaced shelves;

means providgated and having a plurality of support plaform shelf" means in it, there being ayspace provided between adja: centsupport platform shelfmeans,thecorners of a supsport platform shelf means moving into said space when a platform shelf means is rotated.

l '4. Apparatus asin vclaim 1',includingmannallyactih atablelatch means operable to engage Vwith said plat form shelfsupport means to restrainmovementthereof to predetermined positionsgq 5. Apparatus as in claim 4, including alatch' member engageable with the platform shelf support means; said latch member embodying".resiliencyl 'whereby:to resil i'en tly applystopping resistance to the platform shelf f supportzmeans whereby to stop movement of'said means and restrain it to a predeterminedstopping posi tion;

" 3,Apparat,us asinfclaiml, said'cabiriet beingelom 6. A file apparatus comprising: acabinet; said cabinet Q being rcctilinearpsupport platform shelf means mounted in. saidcabinetwherebytoberotatable about i I a vertical axis,,said cabinethaving two sides opposite each other which are sopennand said rotary support shelf means being rotatable to positions whereby to provide access thereto througheither of said open sides of the cabinehsupport meanslfor'rotatably supporting;

the support platform shelf means, the supportmeans forming circular support track means to rotatablysupport the platform shelf means on the track the track means having such diameter that the platform shelf meanshas partspositioned relatively close tosid'es, of

the cabinet, said cabinet having atop and meansproi;

'viding rotatable engagement between the top and the platformshelf means whereby the cabinetis stabilized by way of thegiplatformvsh'elfumeans suppor'tedonthe circular supporttraclc. i V Apparatus as in clairnogw herein thesupporttraclc r 9. Apparatusas in claim fiyincludm'g a said first;,and secondmembers whereby when either end of the spring is beingicompressemthe other end is;

restrained, a

10, Appar tus as meansis carried on the; foot operated member.

limitedmovements of the plateslwme'ans' forallowing limitedmovement of thelatchmember, and athird f 1 overlying plate'earrying the latch member; allgo'f'said plate's being arcuate whereby theflatch member can t, move angularly to engage eitherof thefirst andsecondy membersiwhereby togclompress thespringatone-end, V whilethe other eri'd i i is restrainedi V r 7 firstmember t engageable by the latch member on movement in one direction and Saidmember beingattached-to one end' of the; spring means, a second memberfengageable by" the latch member-when 'movable in the opposite;di:rec-,,

' tion andengageable with'theopposite end ofthe'spring V "means;and vmeanssprovidingifor limited'movemen t of {Q finclainiig assistantsme bers attachedto the spring meanscomprise overiying plates;

holding" means for the -platesn'allowings, limited movea 12 A fileapparat is comprising; a"'cabinetrhavinga 1 rotor including support platform shelfmeans; latch means fo'rqthe rotor CQmPtisinga'f ot operated mern-E;

7 bet anda latchmembe said latch' member being en- J "gageable with the rotor; resiliently/mounted mechas 1 nismreomprising springs neans' positionedto ,be] actuabgf j V able bymovement of the latch memberiinone direction 1 *to compress the spring meansand by movementof' the J latchmember'intheopposite"direetion,to compress i the spring means, afirst member engageableqby the i latch mern ber'on movement in one directiomkand said member beingattachedtoone end of-the spring means, W s y a second member 'engageablefby theflatch fmemberf? I s a when moi/sable in the oppositedirectionand engageable with the oppositeend of the spring meansyand me ans providing for "limited rnovementtof said first and 1 second members whereby when either end of the spring a is beingcompressed, the othersendisrestrairied, saidf j 7 rne'mbers attached to thesspringxnieansgcomprising overlyingplates/fielding meansfofr theplates allowing I 

1. A file apparatus comprising: a cabinet, said cabinet being rectilinear; rectangular support platform shelf means mounted in said cabinet whereby to be rotatable about a vertical axis, said cabinet having two sides opposite each other which are open and said rotary support shelf means being rotatable to positions whereby to provide access thereto through either of said open sides of the cabinet, said shelf means having flat sides and being of such size relative to the cabinet that the flat sides are positionable to be flush with and to close said open sides, and said shelf means having two opposite open sides providing access thereto, which are positionable to be flush with the open sides of the cabinet.
 2. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said platform shelf support means is in the form of a single, rotatable unit having a height which is substantially the height of the cabinet, said platform shelf support means providing a plurality of spaced shelves.
 3. Apparatus as in claim 2, said cabinet being elongated and having a plurality of support plaform shelf means in it, there being a space provided between adjacent support platform shelf means, the corners of a support platform shelf means moving into said space when a platform shelf means is rotated.
 4. Apparatus as in claim 1, including manually actuatable latch means operable to engage with said platform shelf support means to restrain movement thereof to predetermined positions.
 5. Apparatus as in claim 4, including a latch member engageable with the platform shelf support means, said latch member embodying resiliency whereby to resiliently apply stopping resistance to the platform shelf support means whereby to stop movement of said means and restrain it to a predetermined stopping position.
 6. A file apparatus comprising: a cabinet, said cabinet being rectilinear, support platform shelf means mounted in said cabinet whereby to be rotatable about a vertical axis, said cabinet having two sides opposite each other which are open, and said rotary support shelf means being rotatable to positions whereby to provide access thereto through either of said open sides of the cabinet, support means for rotatably supporting the support platform shelf means, the support means forming circular support track means to rotatably support the platform shelf means on the track, the track means having such diameter that the platform shelf means has parts positioned relatively close to sides, of the cabinet, said cabinet having a top and means providing rotatable engagement between the top and the platform shelf means whereby the cabinet is stabilized by way of the platform shelf means supported on the circular support track.
 7. Apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the support track comprises means forming a circular ball race with balls therein.
 8. A file apparatus comprising a cabinet having a rotor including support platform shelf means, latch means for the rotor comprising a foot operated member and a latch member, said latch member being resiliently mounted mechanism comprising spring means positioned to be actuatable by movement of the latch member in one direction to compress the spring means and by movement of the latch member in the opposite direction, to compress the spring means.
 9. Apparatus as in claim 8, including a first member engageable by the latch member on movement in one direction and said member being attached to one end of the spring means, a second member engageable by the latch member when movable in the opposite direction and engageable with the opposite end of the spring means and means providing for limited movement of said first and second members whereby when either end of the spring is being compressed, the other end is restrained.
 10. Apparatus as in claim 9 wherein said members attached to the spring means comprise overlying plates holding means for the plates allowing limited movements of the plates, and means for allowing limited movement of the latch member.
 11. Apparatus as in claim 8, wherein the spring means is carried on the foot operated member.
 12. A file apparatus comprising: a cabinet having a rotor including support platform shelf means, latch means for the rotor comprising a foot operated member and a latch member, said latch member being engageable with the rotor, resiliently mounted mechanism comprising spring means positioned to be actuatable by movement of the latch member in one direction to compress the spring means and by movement of the latch member in the opposite direction, to compress the spring means, a first member engageable by the latch member on movement in one direction, and said member being attached to one end of the spring means, a second member engageable by the latch member when moveable in the opposite direction and engageable with the opposite end of the spring means, and means providing for limited movement of said first and second members whereby when either end of the spring is being compressed, the other end is restrained, said members attached to the spring means comprising overlying plates, holding means for the plates allowing limited movements of the plates, means for allowing limited movement of the latch member, and a third overlying plate carrying the latch member, all of said plates being arcuate whereby the latch member can move angularly to engage either of the first and second members whereby to compress the spring at one end while the other end is restrained. 